This book has been very helpful to me as my family and I are going through an extremely difficult trial with one of our sons. I love how she has verses that back up what she is teaching and that each chapter has questions to really help you process what her message was in that chapter. I love her honesty and willingness to share her journey so that we can all learn from her.

Carol Kent has written an exceptional book, Between a Rock and a Grace Place, to help readers face the overwhelming obstacles in their lives and overcome them through God's grace. Although few of us will experience the heartache of having a son incarcerated for murder, we can apply her deep truths and teaching to our own challenging situations. Carol includes someone else's story in each chapter, and all have found grace-filled hope. The readers can also find "amazing grace" in the pages of this wonderful book.

Jason's letters in Between a Rock and a Grace Place are a rare and extraordinary glimpse into the mind, heart, and life of someone who's struggling to survive behind bars. This being the latest of Carol Kent's continuing story is another exceptional read! As a pastor's wife I know that this book is also a tremendous help to the many parents of adult children who are silently suffering with heartbreaking disappointments.

WOWWWW....is all I can say, I just picked your book up Friday and today is Monday, and I just finished it. I walked thru that journey with you in those pages, identifying with the heartbreak of having your child incarcerated...as I have walked this same road. I cried tears of sadness and joy as I read your heart and JP's. The story of Tammy & Matthew reminded me of the sovereignty of our God. Your total honesty about the strain it put on your marriage. Gene's honesty from a father's point of view...pretty much what JP wrote about prison is what my son has told me of his experiences. I want you to know Carol, a day doesn't go by that I have not prayed for you, for Gene, for JP for his family & this very difficult journey you are on. Your book is such an inspiration and the title is so right on because we have all found ourselves " Between a Rock & a Grace Place " Thank you for sharing your Grace Place and for showing others the Rock to lean into. Love & Blessings

This review is from: Between a Rock and a Grace Place: Divine Surprises in the Tight Spots of Life (Hardcover)

As I read my friend Carol's latest book, Between a Rock and a Grace Place, dealing with her family's journey through the incarceration of her son, I couldn't help but think of Paul's words about being "poured out as a drink offering" for the Lord. This sweet family has certainly taken what could have destroyed them, and through the Lord's matchless grace turned their lives into "drink offerings", even as offerings were poured out before the Lord in times past. My husband and I have a common bond with Carol and Gene, in that we have been through the experience of his incarceration. We, too, were and are strong believers. So I tell you from experience that opening up your heart and soul to the world and being transparent about the emotions and pain of suffering in this way is no easy thing. Yet, Carol and Gene have managed to do this in a beautiful and effective way.

If you miss this book, you have missed a life-changing experience. Carol does not just tell her story, she applies Biblical truths to heart wrenching grief and pain not just in her families' lives, but also in the lives of others. This book is masterfully written and is one of those that is hard to put down. No one uses the English language like Carol. I would love to have a copy of this book to pass out to everyone I know. No matter who you are, what you are going through right now, or even what you may not be going through, you will be moved and challenged to "press into the Rock" in those times when life seems overwhelming.

As I was reading through the chapter on gratitude again, I was impressed to realize that as much as we have prayed for Jason's release, God is using him so mightily as a godly man in prison. He is where no one would go voluntarily and yet I see God raising him up in this setting even as he used Joseph. It is our joy to communicate regularly with this young man and God is doing a powerful work in his life. Even in prison, Jason is letting his life be a drink offering, too. I credit that to the godly upbringing of his precious parents.

I think this review has been as much about the Kents as the book but their attitude, their authenticity, and their intentionality of using this trial to further God's kingdom make this book tremendously powerful! They are what you see in the book and more. I fully expect this book to rise to the top of the Christian best seller list, but more importantly, I expect God to use this book to radically change the lives of thousands of people.

Just an added note, this book is perfect for using in a small or large group Bible study. It has questions, notes and Carol's wonderful quotes to ponder as a group. God bless you as you read this wonderful story of God's amazing grace!